This is the kind of thing that’s expected of a +3C world, although the idea of it being a threshold phenomenon is a bit unrealistic. So, it’s expected that these sinks might, overall, start releasing their sequestered Carbon, one here one year, another there another year. But if the biggest sinks start releasing theirs first, well, this is one of the Climate Surprises the IPCC and the U.S. National Climate Change assessment talk about. And they are not at all good.
Carbon Sinks in Crisis — It Looks Like the World’s Largest Rainforest is Starting to Bleed Greenhouse Gasses
Responses
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Yes, but there is a question of Carbon budget. The accounting for CO2 sources is pretty good. If there’s an excess coming into atmosphere not accounted for by ocean outgassing, or known land/biosphere emissions, or fossil fuels, or boosted northern forest growth (and decay), or permafrost melt, then it’s necessary to look for it. Moreover, it is possible to both discriminate between these sources by isotopic signature and close (airborne) monitoring.
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One year does not a pattern make
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About the author
Sophia Bennett is an art historian and freelance writer with a passion for exploring the intersections between nature, symbolism, and artistic expression. With a background in Renaissance and modern art, Sophia enjoys uncovering the hidden meanings behind iconic works and sharing her insights with art lovers of all levels. When she’s not visiting museums or researching the latest trends in contemporary art, you can find her hiking in the countryside, always chasing the next rainbow.
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